Lesson 3 - Striking for Power
Throwing, Kicking & Rolling Skills
•Nursery
•Target Games
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How can we use our feet to make a ball fly high and far?
Learning Objectives
- To develop striking skills with the foot for power
- To understand which part of the foot to use for powerful strikes
- To demonstrate safe equipment handling and storage
Key Outcomes
- Students will strike a ball with their foot showing control and power
- Students will identify the correct part of the foot for power striking
- Students will safely transport and store equipment
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to selected children at start
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
Given to designated 'Golden baller'
Alternative: Large foam ball, beach ball
Stored in equipment bag for easy distribution
Alternative: Large lightweight balls, beach balls
Placed midway between groups at 5m distance
Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam targets
Various sizes for different abilities
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Different colours for golf course holes
Alternative: Chalk marks, flat markers
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball forcefully with your foot
Using force to make the ball travel far or high
The top part of your foot where your shoelaces are
Tilting your body backwards slightly when kicking
The steps you take before kicking the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic kicking with preferred foot
- Understanding of gentle vs forceful movements
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Striking with foot for power
- Using correct part of foot (laces)
- Body positioning for height and distance
Next Steps
- Accuracy in striking targets
- Combining power with precision
- Understanding trajectory and force
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Use laces (top of foot) for powerful striking
- Lean back slightly when kicking for height
- Take 3-4 step approach for power development
- Aim deliberately rather than kick randomly
- Handle all equipment safely and cooperatively
- Support partners and teammates positively
- Practice with both feet for balanced development
Common Misconceptions
- Using toe instead of laces reduces power and control
- Leaning forward over ball keeps it low instead of giving height
- Rushing kicks without aiming reduces accuracy significantly
- Only using dominant foot limits overall development
- Equipment doesn't need careful handling because it's 'just PE gear'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine established, visual schedule available, quiet zones for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards
physical disability
- Seated kicking options, modified distances, larger target areas, alternative equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting kicks in golf game, measuring distances, comparing heights and distances of kicks
Science
Forces and motion - how body position affects ball trajectory, understanding cause and effect
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions, understanding position and movement in space
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, supporting others' learning and development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during activities for optimal viewing, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot positioning, appropriate power levels, safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe play, provide individual technique support, manage group dynamics
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve children in demonstrations, repeat key points
Verbal Cues
- •'Laces and lean back!'
- •'Gentle power - control the ball!'
- •'Safety first with equipment!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor or large indoor space, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Level, non-slip surface suitable for running and kicking activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls inspected for damage
- •Balloon balls appropriate pressure
- •Skittles stable and unbreakable
- •Hoops checked for cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during warm-up games
- •Balls hitting children during activities
- •Slips during approach runs
- •Equipment handling injuries
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing guidelines
- •Soft balls only for tagging activities
- •Low kicks rule in knockout games
- •Supervised equipment handling
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during active games
- •Close monitoring during power kicking practice
- •Direct supervision of equipment storage
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route planned